What Is 2009 APRA Silver Scroll Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 APRA Silver Scroll Awards honored New Zealand's top songwriters and composers, with the main award won by The Naked and Famous for 'Young Blood' on September 17, 2009. The ceremony was held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland.

Key Facts

The 2009 APRA Silver Scroll Awards were held on September 17, 2009
The Naked and Famous won the top prize for their song 'Young Blood'
The event took place at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, New Zealand
APRA, the Australasian Performing Right Association, has hosted the awards since 1965
The Silver Scroll is awarded annually for the best original New Zealand song

Overview

The 2009 APRA Silver Scroll Awards celebrated excellence in New Zealand songwriting, recognizing the best original compositions of the year. This annual event, organized by APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association), highlights the artistry and impact of local musicians and composers.

Hosted on September 17, 2009, the ceremony took place at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, drawing top talent from across the country. The awards are among the most prestigious in New Zealand music, focusing solely on songwriting rather than commercial success.

The Naked and Famous won the Silver Scroll Award for their breakout hit 'Young Blood,' a synth-driven anthem that later gained international acclaim.
The judging panel consisted of 100 New Zealand music professionals who voted from a shortlist of 20 songs selected by an APRA committee.
'Young Blood' was co-written by Thom Powers, Alisa Xayalith, and Aaron Short, marking the band's first major national recognition.
The song later reached No. 10 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified double platinum, showcasing its lasting popularity.
In addition to the main award, seven other categories were presented, including awards for Māori, Pacific, and children’s music.

How It Works

The APRA Silver Scroll Awards process involves nomination, shortlisting, and final judging by a panel of industry experts. Each year, songs released in the previous 12 months are eligible, provided they are written by New Zealand citizens or residents.

Eligibility Period: Songs must have been released between July of the previous year and June of the current year. This ensures recent work is recognized.
Nomination Process: APRA members and music industry professionals submit entries, with over 200 songs typically entered annually for consideration.
Shortlisting: A panel of music experts narrows entries to a finalist list of 20 songs, announced in August before the September ceremony.
Judging Panel: A rotating group of 100 New Zealand music creators votes anonymously to determine the winner, emphasizing peer recognition.
Live Performance: Finalists' songs are performed live at the ceremony, often by other artists, to highlight the songwriting over original recordings.
Prize: The winner receives a trophy and $1,000 prize, with additional grants sometimes awarded for music development.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2009 Silver Scroll Awards compare to other major music awards in New Zealand:

Award	Focus	Year Established	Voting Body	Notable 2009 Winner
APRA Silver Scroll	Songwriting excellence	1965	100 music professionals	The Naked and Famous – 'Young Blood'
New Zealand Music Awards	Commercial and artistic success	1965	Industry and public voting	Brooke Fraser – 'What to Do with Daylight'
Waiata Māori Music Awards	Māori language and culture	2006	Specialized Māori music panel	Tami Neilson – 'A Woman’s Pain'
Pacific Music Awards	Pacific Island music in NZ	2005	Pacific music community	Te Vaka – 'Olatia'
Smokefreerockquest	Youth band competition	1989	Judges and audience	Various high school bands

While the New Zealand Music Awards emphasize popularity and production, the Silver Scroll focuses purely on the craft of songwriting. This distinction makes it a unique and respected honor among musicians, often seen as a career milestone.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Silver Scroll Awards underscored the importance of original songwriting in New Zealand’s cultural identity. By spotlighting emerging talent like The Naked and Famous, the event helped shape the country’s modern music landscape.

'Young Blood' launched an international career for the band, eventually charting in the US and UK and being featured in major films and ads.
The award validated independent music, showing that non-mainstream artists could achieve national recognition through creativity and originality.
It encouraged songwriting in Māori and Pacific languages, supporting cultural diversity and representation in the arts.
Winning the Silver Scroll often leads to increased royalties and performance opportunities, boosting artists’ financial and professional prospects.
The event promotes music education, with APRA funding workshops and grants for aspiring songwriters across the country.
It preserves New Zealand’s musical heritage by annually documenting and celebrating original compositions that reflect national themes and experiences.

Ultimately, the 2009 APRA Silver Scroll Awards not only honored a single song but also reinforced the value of creative expression in New Zealand’s artistic community.